Two podium places in one week for Lotto-Belisol

24/04/2014

Both in the 'Brabantse Pijl' and the 'Amstel Gold Race' the Lotto-Belisol riders performed well. In the Brabantse Pijl, Tony Gallopin sprinted to a third place. In the Amstel Gold Race, Jelle Vanendert finished second.

Podium for Gallopin after a chaseLotto Belisol aimed for a podium place. With the third place of Tony Gallopin the team can look back with satisfaction. More wasn't probably possible for the Frenchman. At 25 kilometers from the end Gallopin had to chase after a puncture. He only joined the group with seven kilometers to go.

Tony Gallopin: "I had a puncture at 25 kilometers from the finish. On the same place of the course as last year. Honestly, I thought my race was over. Because of the succession of hills the race never stopped. I had to return from behind the team cars, but eventually I could pass one group after another and that way I could take my place back in front. Thanks to the teammates I joined the first group just before the last climb, not a moment too early. Considering the race developments I'm very satisfied with my third place."

Amstel Gold RaceJelle Vanendert set a nice performance in the Amstel Gold Race today, he became second. Philippe Gilbert jumped away on the Cauberg and rode solo to the victory. Pim Ligthart obviously felt good in his home country and was part of the early breakaway.

Jelle Vanendert: "My ideal scenario was that we reached the top of the Cauberg with a small group and that I could take off when the others hesitated. Only Gilbert crossed my plans. I did make the jump when the tempo went down after the Cauberg and I became second just like in 2012. This confirms my good shape, I'm back where I want to stand. This result isn't unexpected for me after all the hard work. My season started with a setback due to the elbow injury I incurred in the Tour de San Luis. That's why I wasn't at my full strength in Paris-Nice. This second place is a nice reward."